Ohio jobs report showing progress

In May nonfarm payroll employment increased in 33 states and the District of Colunbia, but none more than the state of Ohio. The largest over-the-month increase was 32,100 in Ohio, beating job-rich Texas by 13,000 jobs. In fact, more jobs were created last month in Ohio than in any month since February of 1999 thanks to local governments going on a hiring binge.

“Today’s jobs report is another clear indicator of Ohio’s strong momentum,” Kasich administration spokesman Rob Nichols said. “Jobs are up. Incomes are up. But we still have a long way to go and can’t stop now. We’re confident the legislature’s plan to cut taxes by another $2.6 billion will mean Ohio can continue our strong economic momentum and help provide the quality jobs middle class Ohioans need.”

Border state Michigan also showed an increase of 18,100. Ohio, Nebraska and South Dakota had the largest over-the-month percentage increases in employment, up 0.6 percent.

Seventeen states showed decreases in jobs. Among the highest losses was Pennsylvania, which lost 9,200 jobs; South Carolina, which showed a loss of 7,700, and Florida, which came up 6,200 jobs short.

Alaska at minus 1.3 percent and Vermont, down 0.7 percent, had the largest over-the-month declines in jobs.

The largest over-the-year percentage increases occurred in North Dakota, which was up 3.2 percent and Texas, up 3.0 percent. The highest two over-the-year percentage decreases in employment occurred in Alaska, down 1.3 percent and Wyoming, showing a minus 0.6 percent.

Six states had statistically significant over-the-month unemployment rate changes in May, of which four were declines and two were increases. The significant decreases occurred in California and West Virginia (-0.4 percentage point each) and Hawaii and New York (-0.2 point each). The increases were in Tennessee (+0.3 percentage point) and Kansas (+0.1 point). The remaining 44 states and the District of Columbia had jobless rates that were not measurably different from those of a month earlier, though some had changes that were at least as large numerically as the significant changes.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.

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